Training

Every Scout deserves a trained leader! But what is “trained”?

The Boy Scouts of America believes in empowering our leaders by providing them with the knowledge, confidence, resources, and skills they need to better serve our youth, save time, and have fun!  

And the safety of every Scout is our number one priority.  That’s why every Scouting volunteer must complete Youth Protection Training before they can register. 

Beyond that, basic level training can be completed online at My.Scouting.org at your leisure.  

Additional training, such as advanced leadership courses, skills courses, NYLT, Wood Badge, and more occur throughout the year upon request and availability of our trainers, who are volunteers themselves!  Please feel welcome to ask about opportunities for training that you would like to be a part of!  

New Leader Information Learn More

Click here to see each position’s training requirements.

Training Programs

The following are some of the commonly offered training programs in Scouting. Check the Council Calendar for upcoming offerings.

Basic Adult Leadership Outdoor Orientation (BALOO)
This one and half day course is designed as an introduction to the Cub Scout outdoor program for leaders interested in adding a camping component to their Pack activities.  BALOO training consists of an online pre-requisite component in addition to an overnight hands on practical.  BSA’s Cub Scout level camping policies will be taught along with the discovery of the necessary tools to help units carry out a successful camping experience.  Completion of this course is mandatory for a minimum of one adult on a Pack overnighter. 

Wood Badge
Wood Badge is an advanced, national leadership course open only to Scouting volunteers and professionals.  Scouters from Cub Scouting, Scouts BSA, Venturing, Sea Scouts, Explorers, and district and council Scouters all are welcome and belong here.  

Intro to Outdoor Leadership Skills (IOLS)
Working as patrols, this hands-on course provides adult leaders the practical outdoor skills they need to lead Scouts in the out-of-doors.  Upon completion, leaders should feel comfortable teaching Scouts the basic skills required to obtain the First Class rank. Along with Scoutmaster Specifics, this course is required of all Scoutmasters and Assistant Scoutmasters registered in Scouts BSA troops in order to be considered trained.

National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT)
NYLT is the W. D. Boyce Council’s premier youth leadership training experience.  It is six days packed with fun and learning with the goal of building leadership skills that can be put to immediate use in the home units. 

Wilderness First Aid Training (WFA)
Is your troop going to a High Adventure Base this summer or going to Cache Lake Camp?  At least one adult that is going on the trip needs to have WFA certification. 

USA Archery Instructor Level 1 and 2
Level 1 Archery Instructor Certification Course provides graduates the necessary tools to maintain a high level of safety both on and off the range.  Level 1 Instructors are well prepared to teach beginner archery programs and teach Cub Scout Archery Rangemaster Trainings.